Unmeasured Strength is a survivor's awe-inspiring story of how Lauren Manning overcame tragedy and re-created herself as a wife, mother, and woman She was a hardworking business woman, had a loving husband and an infant son, and a confidence born of intelligence and beauty. But on September 11, 2001, good fortune was no match for catastrophe. When a wall of flame at the World Trade Center burned more than 80 percent of her body, Lauren Manning began a ten-year journey of survival and rebirth that tested her almost beyond human endurance. Long before that infamous September day, Manning learned the importance of perseverance, relentless hard work, and a deep faith in oneself. So when the horrific moment of her near-death arrived, she possessed the strength and resilience to insist that she would not yield—not to the terrorists, not to the long odds, not to the bottomless pain and exhaustion. But as the difficult months and years went by, she came to understand that she had to do more than survive. She needed to undergo a complete transformation, one that would allow her to embrace her life and her loved ones in an entirely new way. Fleeing the burning tower, Manning promised herself that she would see her son's face again. Courageous and inspiring, Unmeasured Strength tells the riveting story of her heroic effort to make that miracle—and so many others—possible.
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"I read this book on my Kindle. The book is very well written and the author uses very descriptive words, some I had to look up in the dictionary. She suffered from burns on 911 and was determined to live for her baby son. She was not expected to live through the night, and her survival was a miracle. she worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and lost many friends. she has since done charity work and fund raisers for 911 families of those lost. This was a fast and easy read."
— Sharon (4 out of 5 stars)
I have found my new hero. Her name is Lauren Manning…Her determination is awe inspiring. She is the most remarkable woman I think I've ever met.
— Katie CouricOne of the most extraordinary books I've read in a long time. I recommend everyone to go and read this, because it's a tale of inspiration and courage.
— Piers Morgan, CNNIt's a powerful book … There are so many 9/11 remembrances and so many 9/11 stories as we commemorate, celebrate, this tenth anniversary, but this one is the one that everybody's talking about.
— Tavis Smiley, PBSYour essence defines what it means to be survivor.
— OprahThis is a very inspiring book.
— Barbara Walters, The View“Unmeasured Strength is a gripping tale of [Lauren Manning's] long fight back from a devastating injury that easily could have killed her… She has valuable lessons to impart about the personal challenges of overcoming physical and emotional adversity.
— The Wall Street JournalIntense, humbling, Manning's story is, above all, amazing.
— ParadeWith the steadfast love of her husband, Greg… and her own unwavering focus, Manning's inspiring memoir records an extraordinary path of resilience and willpower.
— VogueAll the emotion in her voice that's necessary shines through as she reads…Because of the way Lauren tells her story, even those who might normally be squeamish about hearing someone tell about medical procedures shouldn't worry. She speaks of her lengthy return to health tactfully and with grace, and I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone.
— BookloonsYou are brave and courageous and a hero to all of us.
— Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator from New York, 2001Unmeasured Strength is an extraordinary book. It is heartbreaking and shocking, compassionate and uplifting. It is a testament to determination and to love. Manning shows that life has things worth fighting for, if you have the clarity to see them and to fight unwaveringly until the end.
— BookReporter.com[An] uplifting story of courage, love and compassion… With honesty and simplicity, Manning details her miraculous escapes first from the crippled North Tower; then from limb amputation; and then from death, which stalked her relentlessly for three months. … Ten years later, her life has returned to ‘normality' thanks to the unstinting love shown her by family, friends and strangers.
— KirkusYour message of hard work and faith would resonate in the day to day difficulties that we all face ... Lauren, your grace and courage are an inspiration.
— Marla Lerner Tanenbaum Principal Owner, Washington Nationals Chairperson, Washington Nationals Dream FoundationUnmeasured Strength is both an enduring story about the resilience of character and an ode to the human determination to defeat evil. Lauren Manning did what the mighty Greek Sisyphus could never do: push the boulder to the top of the hill and never let it roll down. She has written a brilliantly vivid, wholly empowering tour de force that makes the impossible seem possible; her inspiring example just may teach us how to reverse our fates.
— Lucinda Franks, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, author of My Father's Secret WarAn extraordinary story of the spirit's triumph over pain and the body's will to stay in this world despite being literally burned alive in the fires of the Twin Towers…This is a message of hope that we can all be grateful to share.
— Vartan Gregorian, President, Carnegie Corporation of New York" I couldn't put this book down. The writing is fair, but the story is riveting, especially in the light of next week's 10th anniversary of 9/11. We are capable of so much more than we think we can ever achieve. The message in this book will stay with me. "
— Jane, 2/8/2014" What an honor to read her story and what a perfect title for the book-unmeasurable strength is not only what she had and showed but the strength of those around her! "
— Megan, 1/26/2014" The content of the book was good and Mrs. Manning has survived so much both physically and emotionally. I feel that she provided too many details in some spots and not enough in others. It was exciting to have the author read the audio book but in some spots she lacked emotion and talked in a monotone which made following the story challenging. Over all this was an "okay" book. I can't even image the challenges Mrs. Manning has had to overcome in her life. I think this book could have been written a little bit better. "
— Christa, 1/14/2014" This is a very moving book that was difficult to read at times due to the unimaginable pain and suffering that the author endured. I know with certainty that I would not have had the strength to endure as she did. It is nothing short of remarkable. "
— Colleen, 1/13/2014" I read "Love, Greg and Lauren" and am so happy to see she's doing so well. "
— Donna, 1/7/2014" This was a riveting read from the perspective from someone injured as a result of the attacks. I couldn't help but root for her and her determination. "
— Katie, 1/6/2014" I'd just read a book by another woman whose husband died in 9/11. This author worked for the same company and survived (barely). She's a decent writer, but I couldn't get into it much - too much medical talk. "
— Renee, 12/15/2013" Interesting story of Lauren Manning's recovery from the Sept. 11 attacks. I remember reading her husband's book, so I enjoyed hearing it from her perspective and learning what the past 10 years have been like for her. "
— Amanda, 10/25/2013" Amazing and inspiring, this book redefined for me the meaning of strength. "
— Robin, 10/3/2013" This is an amazing story about her survival and determination to heal from being burned on 9/11. "
— Denise, 9/10/2013" What unimaginable destruction to this person!! And she survived!! What a struggle. "
— Cheryle, 8/30/2013" A book chosen for book club. I agree with some of the other reviews. Great story about surviving the terrible events about 9/11; however, not well-written. I am glad she was able to share her story, but I wasn't impressed with the point of the book. "
— Lindzie, 4/4/2013" Great story that shows the power of the will to live and recover from horrific burns. Story of incredible strength yet the will to return to normal. "
— Deb, 2/3/2013" Inspiring book, but I enjoyed Love Letters From Greg to Lauren better. Same story written from her husban's point of view while she was in recovery from 9/11. "
— Debbie, 10/5/2012" A quick and interesting read about a lady who survived burns to over 80% of her body during the attacks on 9/11. "
— Karen, 9/3/2012" Lauren Manning's heroic recovery is moving and powerful. I cried multiple times while reading her story. This book is another affirmation that positive thinking can change our lives. "
— Evie, 7/26/2012" A great read about resiliency! "
— Barbara, 6/28/2012" Great read and good for those of us who think we have problems. She was one of the survivors of 9/11-quite a story to tell! "
— Lisa, 5/23/2012" Very compelling, especially after hearing Lauren speak in San Diego recently. "
— Emily, 5/21/2012" Lauren's account of the first day was heart-wrenching. Her articulation and memory of specific details is incredible. "
— Judith, 5/6/2012" What an amazing story of survival and perseverance. Heartbreaking and uplifting. "
— Susan, 4/9/2012" A very moving novel from a women who was a victim of the worst day in US History, 9/11 and survived to tell about it. Her story is one truly of unmeasured strength. Hard to put down. "
— Linda, 12/13/2011" A very moving novel from a women who was a victim of the worst day in US History, 9/11 and survived to tell about it. Her story is one truly of unmeasured strength. Hard to put down. "
— Linda, 10/10/2011" Really currently listening to. Lauren Manning, an employee of Canter Fitzgerald, and what happened to her on 9/11. Lauren Manning is reading the story. "
— Ellen, 10/1/2011" Interesting story of Lauren Manning's recovery from the Sept. 11 attacks. I remember reading her husband's book, so I enjoyed hearing it from her perspective and learning what the past 10 years have been like for her. "
— Amanda, 9/26/2011" I listened to this book on my ipod over the last couple days. Lauren's story is heartbreaking yet inspiring. I cannot even fathom the pain she had to endure, even while heavily medicated, to start literally and figuratively walking on her journey to go home to her husband and toddler. "
— Pam, 9/15/2011" Burned by a fireball while waiting for her elevator at the World Trade Center on 9/11, Manning somehow survived the horrific nightmare as one of the only members of Cantor Fitzgerald to make it through September 11th alive. "
— Jill, 9/5/2011" I couldn't put this book down. The writing is fair, but the story is riveting, especially in the light of next week's 10th anniversary of 9/11. We are capable of so much more than we think we can ever achieve. The message in this book will stay with me. "
— Jane, 9/3/2011" Not great, but good. A look at one 9/11 survivor's road to recovery. "
— Crystal, 8/31/2011" I read "Love, Greg and Lauren" and am so happy to see she's doing so well. "
— Donna, 8/23/2011" i am sorry to say this wasn't as good as i had hoped. nonetheless, she is an awesome woman. but if you really want to know her story, read her husband's book, ''love greg and lauren.'' i really hate i didn't love this book. "
— Kimf, 8/20/2011Lauren Manning is a former managing director and partner at Cantor Fitzgerald. Her story of surviving the 9/11 attacks has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC's Today Show, and many other media outlets around the world; CNN recently chose her as one of the most intriguing newsmakers of the past twenty-five years. The recipient of many honors and awards, she lives in New York City with her husband, Greg, and their two sons, Tyler and Jagger.